Our Board
Growing up, Joe DeLong was an honor student, multi-sport athlete, and Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. His athletic accomplishments landed him multiple scholarship opportunities and ultimately he chose to play football for his home state, signing with the West Virginia University Mountaineers (WVU). During DeLong’s tenure at WVU, he was a two year starter and earned multiple varsity letters. He received All-American honors from one publication and upon graduation was bestowed the prestigious Louis Miesel Award given to the graduating senior football player with the highest grade point average.
After finishing his undergraduate studies, while still in his 20’s, DeLong was elected to the West Virginia Legislature in the district where he grew up. On his 34th birthday he became the youngest person ever to be selected as Majority Leader of the West Virginia House.
In 2008 DeLong relocated to Myrtle Beach, SC. It was during this time that he met and married Myrtle Beach native Danielle Lipps. They have two daughters, one who participates in travel basketball and the other is a competitive cheerleader.
Keri Martin Smith is a native of Myrtle Beach. She and her husband (Chad) both played sports growing up and now are raising 2 boys that are athletes.
By day, she works as a Mortgage Lender, but proudly identifies her part time job as cheering on her sons from the sidelines and getting a weekly adrenaline fix at their games. Her husband is often seen volunteering at local sporting competitions to support the administrative needs of their son’s teams.
Martin Smith has often said, “We are fortunate enough to be able to support our boys financially with their sports but now that we’ve entered into the stage of competitive/travel sports we see so many talented kids drop off from playing. Whether it be for financial reasons, lack of transportation, or lack of flexibility with work schedules, there is a need for so many kids to be helped. I’m so proud to be a part of Icon Elite Sports.”
Andrew Brown, is a lifetime resident of Horry County, SC. He and his wife Cassie currently reside in Conway.
Brown works as a branch manager for a Conway plumbing, HVAC and electrical wholesaler. In his role he is responsible for 7 employees and an $8-$10 million annual branch budget.
Competitive sports are in Brown’s DNA. Both his father and grandfather were PGA Professionals and his grandfather was a professional hockey player as well. The movie Slapshot featuring actor Paul Newman was based off of the life of Brown’s grandfather.
Today the Browns enjoy traveling to cheer competitions with their daughter who is a competitive cheerleader. Brown’s son who is now in college was also once a competitive athlete who played T-ball and football at a younger age.